The cloud has become a common topic of conversation as it increases in popularity year after year. In fact, Gartner forecasts that worldwide spending for the public cloud will grow 23% in 2021. As more companies take advantage of cloud services, others are asking, How can I do the same?
What Is Cloud Consulting?
We’ve all heard of the cloud. Some of us may even take advantage of cloud services on a small scale, such as with Google cloud options, like Google Drive. But how many of us really know what it is, how it works, or how to take advantage of it? That’s where cloud consulting services come in.
Cloud consulting involves designing, implementing, migrating, or maintaining cloud applications, processes, or computing systems for an organization. You don’t have to stumble through an overwhelming, confusing process. Instead, cloud consultants will use their expertise and experience to help you choose the best cloud solutions for your work, so you get the highest return on your technology investment.
Cloud Consulting Companies
Companies that offer cloud consulting services can help you analyze your current systems and requirements to identify the most cost-effective and efficient cloud-based solutions for your organization. Not only will this help you cut costs, but you’ll also be able to keep your data more secure.
Cloud consulting companies don’t have to be a permanent part of your team. They can be brought in temporarily to help you with cloud implementation and migration. This way, you only pay for what you need and can part ways when the project is complete.
Companies that offer cloud consulting services are used to working with your own technical or business teams to develop a cloud solution that benefits your business operations and your bottom line.
To ensure every step of the process goes according to plan, they will often start with crafting a cloud strategy that both IT and business teams can refer to throughout the process.
What Is Cloud Strategy?
To say a cloud strategy is a plan would be a wild oversimplification, but it’s a good place to start when understanding how a cloud strategy benefits your company.
A cloud strategy is not a cloud adoption or migration plan. A cloud strategy is a living document; it acts as a bridge between business strategy and your cloud implementation plan. To put it more simply, a cloud strategy defines the role of the cloud within the company and its business operations.
This strategy is used as a tool during transition to line expected benefits with guardrails, so your company can reduce risk exposure and maximize your investment.
It is clear, unambiguous, and communicated thoroughly across all teams; without these components, it’s nearly impossible to have a successful cloud transformation, migration, or implementation.
Without a clear cloud strategy, you will most likely run into:
- Silos of technology
- Non-standard solution implementations
- Non-optimized costs
- Greater risk exposure from poorly configured environments
That’s why cloud consulting can be so beneficial; you can avoid or minimize obstacles and ensure your digital transformation is a success.
Are Cloud Consulting Services Right for You?
So, how do you know if cloud consulting services are right for you? Some of the most common reasons would be:
- You don’t have an in-house team
- Your IT team is busy and needs support
- You want to avoid costly delays and speed up deployment
- You and your team don’t have extensive cloud experience
- You want to minimize risk
Migrating to the cloud inefficiently or without a proper cloud strategy could lead to costly mistakes and may result in your company abandoning the project altogether. If you’re not confident in your teams skill, technical knowledge, or capacity, the safest and most effective choice is cloud consulting.
Benefits of the Cloud
Cloud services are becoming commonplace in many companies in various industries. Businesses are taking advantage of cloud consulting and the benefits that come from a digital transformation. But what do these benefits look like, and will they apply to your company? Let’s take a look.
Accessibility
Accessibility is important to businesses for many reasons. Perhaps your employees:
- Are always in the field
- Participate in a telecommuting policy
- Work fully remote
If any of these are true, it’s essential that your team has the ability to access applications and files from anywhere on the web or with a mobile app. Whether your designers need access to your logo from any device or your data analysts need large batches of information when they’re not in the office, cloud computing may be the solution to your problem. Offer your team the flexibility they want while still achieving the high productivity levels you need.
Business Continuity
Whether it’s a thief in the night or an unexpected natural disaster, your data is vulnerable to threats when it’s stored on-site. On the contrary, when you move to the cloud, your data is stored offsite, often in multiple locations, so it’s always available when you need it. Plus, with cloud consulting, you can choose plans that work best for your business and security needs.
Advanced Security
When you partner with a cloud consulting company, you can finally kick up your feet and relax. There’s no need to constantly worry about security when you know your team is ensuring everything that gets uploaded is encrypted before it even leaves the server.
Greater Uptime
Most cloud consulting companies can promise over 90% uptime. Gone are the days of employees sitting around and twiddling their thumbs waiting for technology to work. Cloud consulting lets you focus on running your business while they focus their expertise on your cloud solutions.
How the Cloud Saves Money for Your Business
So, you’ve decided that cloud computing is definitely the way to go for your business, but is the cost of converting to the cloud worth it? If what we’ve already discussed hasn’t convinced you, let’s talk about how taking advantage of cloud consulting services can save money for your business in the long run, making the investment of cloud consulting less daunting.
Reduced Amount of Hardware
The amount of hardware required for on-site servers can weigh any business down, regardless of size. By switching to a cloud infrastructure, hardware management is left to the vendor, including the cost of repair and replacement.
Servers produce a large amount of heat and need to be kept cool in whatever space they’re stored. Rather than funneling money towards office space and utilities for large, expensive equipment, you can focus your money on other areas of your business.
Increased Productivity
Using a cloud platform is often faster than conventional installation. Cloud software deployment can happen in a matter of hours, so your employees can spend less time waiting and more time working.
Plus, as we’ve already discussed, most cloud storage and software applications are available anywhere with an internet connection. Whether your team is statewide or global, they can be more productive no matter their location, which ultimately generates more revenue.
No Need for In-House Team
With a partner that specializes in cloud consulting, you don’t have to worry about salaries or benefits for an in-house team. Typically, investing in cloud consulting is less expensive than the yearly salary of a full-time employee. So you get all the benefits of a digital transformation to cloud services for a fraction of the cost.
Scalable
If you only remember one thing from today, let it be this: Cloud computing is flexible. We’ve talked about it time and time again, and we’re going to mention it one last time before we’re done.
Cloud computing allows you to pay for only what you need, so you’re never throwing away money on redundant hardware or features that don’t benefit you. Then, when the day comes that it’s time to grow, you can always increase your cloud capabilities with the help of your cloud consultants.
Your Cloud Consulting Partner
When it’s time to take the leap and invest in a cloud consulting partner, make sure you choose one that’s right for you. If you’re looking for custom cloud services that fit your business and maximize your investment, Geneca is ready to help. Contact us today to see if we’re the partner for you!